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Just two months ago that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of the side's broader struggles.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.

According to Opta, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their star man to bail them out with some precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.